Fantasy Waiver Wire - Week 16

The waiver wire is one of the most important keys to finding success in the world of fantasy football. Each week, I'll offer up 10 players you need to target off the free-agent market as you look to reach your ultimate goal -- winning a league championship!

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1. Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers (37.0 percent owned)

The 49ers lost Frank Gore to a concussion in Week 15, so he'll have to pass through the league's concussion protocol before being allowed back on the gridiron. If that doesn't happen before Saturday night, then Hyde would get the call in fantasy title contests. As a true featured back, the Ohio State product would have sudden flex-starter value. Just keep tabs on his status (back) this week

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Charles Rex Arbogast/ Associated Press

2. Joseph Randle, RB, Dallas Cowboys

With DeMarco Murray's status uncertain for Week 16, Joseph Randle is next in line to start at running back for the Cowboys. He projects to get the majority of early down carries with Lance Dunbar working in on passing downs if Murray can't play. If you're looking to handcuff Murray for the fantasy playoffs Randle is the Dallas running back to target.

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Evan Pinkus/Associated Press

3. Andre Williams, RB, New York Giants (50.8 percent owned)

Williams was dropped in some leagues when word came out that Rashad Jennings was back at 100 percent, so the rookie is available in about half of NFL.com leagues. Unfortunately, Jennings re-injured his ankle in a win over the Washington Redskins and could be a question mark for Week 16. Enter Williams, who would have flex-starter value if Jennings were unable to suit up against the St. Louis Rams.

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David Goldman/Associated Press

4. Harry Douglas, WR, Atlanta Falcons (1.9 percent owned)

Douglas went off last week, posting 10 catches, 131 yards and 13.1 fantasy points (standard leagues) in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has now posted 11-plus points in two of his last three contests, so consider him a legitimate starting option in Week 16 if the Falcons are once again without Julio Jones (hip). Douglas projects to have a tremendous matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

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Charles Krupa/Associated Press

5. LeGarrette Blount, RB, New England Patriots (41.8 percent owned)

The Patriots backfield can be difficult to predict, but Blount has seen more than his share of the workload since re-joining his former team. In fact, he's racked up over 50 combined carries in his last four games. The veteran is also seeing goal-line work, scoring a combined three touchdowns in those contests. Blount shapes up as a potential flex-starter for most owners in championship weekend.

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Ed Zurga/Associated Press

6. Latavius Murray, RB, Oakland Raiders (24.6 percent owned)

The Raiders have moved on from the backfield duo of Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew and are riding with Murray, who has led the team in carries in each of the last two weeks. And while his numbers have not been spectacular, the Central Florida product has some roster value in deeper leagues heading into championship week. Murray will go up against the Buffalo Bills next on the NFL schedule.

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Mike McCarn/Associated Press

7. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers (28.7 percent owned)

Stewart has rushed for no fewer than 73 yards in three straight games and has scored double-digit points in two of those contests, so he's without question on the fantasy radar. Next up is a date with the Cleveland Browns, who have been better against the run but still allowed a huge stat line to Jeremy Hill last week. As long as Stewart continues to start, he'll be a rosterable fantasy option.

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Perry Knotts/NFL

8. Mark Sanchez, QB, Philadelphia Eagles (19.1 percent owned)

Sanchez isn't the most reliable quarterback in fantasy football, but he has proven to be a legitimate starting option when the matchup is favorable. That's the case in Week 16, as the USC product will go up against a Washington Redskins team that has been brutal against quarterbacks this season. It's a definite risk, but you can still make a case for streaming Sanchez in fantasy championship week.

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Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

9. Connor Barth, K, Denver Broncos (13.3 percent owned)

How valuable are kickers in fantasy football? Well consider this ... Barth has scored more fantasy points than Peyton Manning in each of the last three weeks! (No, that's not a misprint). Since joining the Broncos, the veteran has put up a combined 41 fantasy points including two games with at least 16 points. Unless you already field an elite kicker, Barth should be on your fantasy wish list.

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Nick Wass/Associated Press

10. Toby Gerhart, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars (55.2 percent owned)

Starting Gerhart in fantasy title week is about as attractive a scenario as getting socks on Christmas morning. But those owners in deeper leagues who are desperate for a flex option should at least consider the move based on a matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Their defense has been one of the league's worst against the run, and Gerhart could see most of the carries with Denard Robinson out.